News

Orbital ATK Cygnus OA-8 launch

Spaceflight is proud to have been part of the launch of multiple CubeSats on the recent Orbital ATK Cygnus OA-8 launch which was a NanoRacks mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Four CubeSats were manifested by Spaceflight on the Nanoracks external deployer through a contract with MEI and NASA Ames Rapid Response Space Works (RRSW) contract. They are ISARA, PROPCUBE, and Aerocube B/C (2 CubeSats).

What was particularly interesting about this mission is that these spacecraft will be later deployed from the Cygnus Cargo Resupply Vehicle after it departs the station and raises to a 500 km orbit. One other CubeSat from NASA Ames Research Center, EcAMSat, will be deployed directly from the ISS.

This mission demonstrates the unique capability of Spaceflight to work with a variety of launch partners and vendors to provide the best solution for our customers. The spacecraft to be deployed by Nanoracks were re-manifested from a different launch which had been delayed.

If you’d like to learn more about how to maximize flexibility for your next mission, this article outlines how some early design decisions can limit your options as circumstances change. We’re always here to help so delays and accidents don’t derail your mission.